London Writers' Salon

What if uncertainty wasn’t something to fear, but your greatest creative ally? Dr. Margaret Heffernan—author, entrepreneur, and TED speaker—on how artists and writers thrive in chaotic times. We also talk about embracing the unknown, navigating AI-driven anxiety, and staying creatively resilient in a world that rewards certainty. We discuss: Margaret’s early creative life and career across TV, tec...

Celebrated writer and memoirist Melissa Febos on the art of the memoir,  the alchemy of personal experience and literary craft, and how to turn the raw material of life into art. We also her latest book, The Dry Season,  where she examines the solitude, freedoms, and feminist heroes Febos found during a year of celibacy. We also talk about: - Writing the unspeakable and undoing shame. - The role o...

Legendary Seth Godin, bestselling author of Linchpin , Purple Cow , The Dip , Tribes , and The Practice on wrestling with creative resistance, getting past self-doubt, and how to build a resilient creative practice that thrives—even in an age of AI We talk about: Why writing isn’t about talent—but about creating the conditions for skill Why “Do you like it?” is the wrong question to ask And how to...

How can you make your life and work more meaningful?  Bestselling author Tim Duggan on ideating and writing bestselling non fiction books, creating killer opening lines and plotting. We also talk about how to unclog our creativity, find meaning in our work and life through a simple hack.  We discuss: Tim’s outlining and editing process for non-fiction Finding the “anchor points” that define your p...

Mark Haddon, bestselling author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time , A Spot of Bother , and The Red House on his process writing 18 books, including his latest book Dogs & Monsters, plus how he approaches success and failure. We discuss: Why writing begins before you start writing Creating strong beginnings How poetry can expand your creative range Writing without a map On self-d...

What does it take to craft a pitch that truly grabs attention in today’s publishing world? In this conversation, Jane Friedman—publishing industry expert and author of The Business of Being a Writer shares her journey into the publishing world and she shares her advice for writers looking to perfect their submission materials and navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape. We discuss: How to...

Alda Sigmundsdóttir is a journalist, author, and independent publisher who has built a thriving literary life outside the traditional system. From blogging about Iceland to launching her own press, Alda has published over 11 books and grown a loyal global readership—while staying in full control of her creative work. We discuss:  Alda’s early writing career and transition to self-publishing What s...

Award-winning and bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait author takes us behind the scenes of her creative process—from the early struggles of starting out to the discipline and instinct that shape her acclaimed novels. We explore the irresistible drive to write, the role of characters in steering a story, and how she blends history with imagination. Maggie also share...

What if the traditional publishing world says “no”? Eleanor Anstruther—acclaimed novelist and creator of The Literary Obsessive—shares her bold leap into indie publishing, serialising fiction and memoir on Substack, and why you need an Artist DNA to draw an audience. We discuss:  Her aristocratic background and experience living in a commune Navigating rejection and the pivot to serialising work o...

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and one of the most influential voices on creativity of the last three decades, shares timeless wisdom on nurturing the artist within. We discuss:  Morning Pages and Artist Dates as tools for creative recovery. Why being of service is at the heart of writing. Writing in dialogue with intuition (and the divine). How to handle criticism, praise, and creative...

(Interview from 2024) The founder of ProWritingAid, Chris Banks, shares his thoughts on how AI is reshaping writing, editing, and the creative process. Recorded in front of a live audience after Writers' Hour.   We discuss: - AI as a creative partner: Can it replace writers? - Using AI responsibly to save time, enhance editing, and elevate your craft. - How to adapt AI tools to fit unique writing...

Jono Hey, author of Big Ideas Little Pictures and creator of Sketchplanations, shares insights from over a decade of explaining the world through sketches.  We discuss:  The power of visual thinking Building a new identity when changing careers Knowing when a piece is done and ready for publishing Tips to get started with sketching & lessons from long-term creative projects, including illustrating...

Matt Trinetti, co-founder of the London Writers' Salon, on building the world’s most engaged writing community, the role of creativity in the face of AI and the transformative power of writing for creative and mental health. * ABOUT MATT TRINETTI Matt Trinetti is the co-founder of London Writers' Salon, our community, dedicated to helping writers connect, make progress, and launch successful caree...

Steve Almond, bestselling author on ‘failing’ for decades, finding flow, finding success in Hollywood, overcoming writer’s block and telling the stories only you can tell with truth and mercy. * ABOUT STEVE ALMOND  Steve Almond is the award-winning author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football and Which Brings Me To You (...

Nicola Slawson, creator of the award-winning newsletter The Single Supplement , shares her journey of building a creative career on her own terms. From launching her newsletter with zero subscribers to securing a book deal, Nicola offers insights into embracing your unique story, building an authentic community, and navigating the realities of freelance journalism and book writing. * ABOUT NICOLA...

Author and Editorial Director Sareeta Domingo on writing love stories that feel real, breaking into publishing, and crafting authentic intimacy in fiction. She shares insights on balancing her dual careers in writing and editing, the biggest mistakes authors make when submitting, and how the romance industry is evolving. * ABOUT SAREETA DOMINGO  Sareeta Domingo is the Editorial Director at Trapeze...

Best-selling Author Tessa Hadley on getting published in her 40s and beyond, the craft of literary fiction, developing character and conflict, and the importance of conflict. * ABOUT TESSA HADLEY: Tessa Hadley is the author of eight highly acclaimed novels, including Clever Girl and Free Love , as well as four short story collections, most recently Bad Dreams and Other Stories , which won the Edge...

Writer, neuroscientist, and Ness Labs founder Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares insights on redefining success, writing in public, and using tiny experiments to fuel creativity. She talks about growing her newsletter from 0 to 100K+, transitioning from writing articles to a book, and the neuroscience behind sustainable ambition. * ABOUT ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Anne-Laure Le Cunff is the founder of Ness Labs...

Foodwriter and Chef Jody Eddy on what goes on in Michelin-star kitchens, monastic culinary traditions, and the rigorous world of food writing. From working 17-hour shifts in elite restaurants to uncovering the rituals of monks and chefs alike, she reveals the hidden ingredients of storytelling, discipline, and turning culinary ideas into bestselling books. * ABOUT JODY EDDY Jody Eddy is a writer,...

Essayist, editor and creator of Essay Architecture, Michael Dean on the hidden structures and key patterns within great essays.  * ABOUT MICHAEL DEAN  Michael Dean is a writer, editor, and creator of Essay Architecture . A former architect and virtual reality specialist, he now studies the hidden frameworks that make essays work.  * RESOURCES & LINKS Michael Dean Essay Architecture O’Shaughnessy F...

Best-selling Science Writer Dava Sobel on blending science with storytelling—how to craft compelling narratives, navigate deep research, and bring historical figures to life. Plus insights on nonfiction publishing, overcoming creative roadblocks, and making complex ideas accessible to readers. * ABOUT DAVA SOBEL  Dava Sobel is the bestselling author of The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of...

Bestselling thriller author Sophie Flynn reveals the raw truth about publishing—traditional vs. indie, rejection, and what it really takes to succeed. As Managing Director of Jericho Writers, she’s seen what separates thriving authors from those who quit. We dive into storytelling psychology, career-defining decisions, and the mindset shifts every writer needs.  ABOUT SOPHIE FLYNN  Sophie Flynn is...

Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, on the power of embracing imperfection in both life and creativity, how to overcome distractions that hinder our creative flow, and the tools that can help us thrive in an imperfect world.  * ABOUT OLIVER BURKEMAN  Oliver Burkeman worked for many years at The Guardian , where he wrote a popular weekly column on...

Award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas on her journey from ambitious intern to a celebrated writer with bylines in The Guardian , Vogue , and Condé Nast Traveler . Anita shares practical advice on pitching as a freelance journalist, crafting impactful articles, and how she finds the hidden angle for a topic. She opens up about her experiences as a neurodivergent writer, offering insights into m...

Sanjoy K. Roy, the visionary behind the Jaipur Literature Festival in India, on growing the largest literary festival in the world (half a million visitors) expanding it to the US, UK and beyond and how storytelling and creativity can shape culture and change cities.  * LINKS AND RESOURCES Jaipur Literature Festival Sanjoy: Instagram Teamwork Arts * ABOUT SANJOY ROY Sanjoy is the Managing Director...